HICKORY, N.C.—Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), in partnership with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC), celebrated a truly historic milestone today as five students successfully completed the full 60-week CVFA Furniture Tradesman Program—earning 1,630 hours of hands-on training, the most extensive furniture-manufacturing preparation offered in any correctional setting in the United States. These inaugural graduates, who began their journey on October 28, 2024, were honored during today’s commencement ceremony for achieving this remarkable accomplishment. 

“This program reflects what is possible when education, industry, and community partners work together toward a shared vision of hope and opportunity,” said Dr. Garrett Hinshaw, CVCC President. “These students have embraced the chance to transform their futures, and today we celebrate not just their accomplishments, but their courage. CVCC is proud to stand with the NCDAC in creating pathways that lead to stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger workforce for our region.” 

The commencement ceremony was attended by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein, highlighting the statewide significance of this landmark program. Governor Stein delivered remarks recognizing the graduates’ perseverance and the transformative role of education in supporting successful reentry and workforce readiness. Community partner John Bray of Vanguard Furniture shared practical life-lesson advice with the graduates, encouraging them to create a plan for their future, pay it forward by supporting others along the way, and carry forward the skills and discipline they developed through the program. 

In addition to recognizing the inaugural full-program completers, CVCC honored an additional 28 students from the Catawba Correctional Center for completing coursework within the CVFA. Their achievements reflect ongoing progress in this innovative 60-week training experience, which equips justice-involved individuals with high-demand workforce skills aligned with North Carolina’s strong and growing furniture industry. 

“The commitment these students have shown throughout this intensive 60-week experience is extraordinary, states Dr. Robin Ross, CVCC Vice President for K-64 and Talent Development. “They have mastered high-demand skills that our regional furniture manufacturers urgently need and have each demonstrated a level of perseverance and professionalism that underscores the powerful role education plays in strengthening lives, industries, and communities.” 

The CVFA Furniture Tradesman Program —developed in collaboration with regional furniture manufacturers—provides comprehensive instruction across seven key furniture skills areas, including furniture fundamentals, cutting, upholstery, sewing, and digital design. Through this first-of-its-kind partnership, participants gain industry-recognized skills that prepare them for meaningful employment and contribute to the state’s skilled workforce pipeline. 

“When we equip individuals with marketable job skills while they are still in our care, we are paving the way for successful reentry and long-term stability,” states Dr. Brooke Wheeler, Education Superintendent for the NC Department of Adult Correction. “These students have exceeded every expectation placed before them. Their achievements today demonstrate what becomes possible when opportunity meets determination—and when correctional education aligns with real workforce needs.” 

CVCC’s collaboration with NCDAC is part of a broader mission to reduce recidivism by providing incarcerated individuals with marketable skills, career pathways, and renewed confidence during the reentry process.